|
Rector's Corner: Intentional Practices for Holy Week  |
| Holy Week and Easter |
Dear St. John's,
As we arrive at Holy Week in the midst of stay-at-home orders and the anxiety of pandemic, we seek to give you the comfort of the familiar even while being creative about how we perform our rituals.
For Palm Sunday, we will continue our new normal with a virtual service and agape feast at 10:00 am, incorporating a reading of the Passion by parishioner Rob Hartmann. Per Sari's video message this week, we encourage you to find greens in or around your house and fix them to your doors as a sign of welcoming Christ among us on this special feast day. Please share your pictures in our new Facebook group.
As you can see in more detail
below
, we will be hosting daily services throughout Holy Week. Sari will be providing a virtual Morning Prayer followed by Bible Study Monday through Thursday at 10:00 am. On Thursday, we will meet virtually at 7:00 pm for a Maundy Thursday Service, and on Friday at noon, please join our virtual Good Friday service featuring the
sung Passion
.
On Easter Sunday this year, we join with Christians across our diocese and world by tuning into the National Cathedral's virtual service at 11:15 am to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Curry, will deliver the Easter message. St. John's will hold its own Easter celebration on the first Sunday when our church doors re-open, and we are able to worship together in person. Information on how to access the National Cathedral's service will be included in next week's newsletter.
Finally, in anticipation of our Maundy Thursday virtual service when we recall Jesus' instruction to his disciples to practice breaking bread together in remembrance of Him, we invite you to add to the significance of this celebration by baking your own unleavened bread to use during the virtual service when we break bread together. Here is a simple recipe for you to use:
baking unleavened bread.
Many blessings to you and yours as we make this journey through the wilderness together, and please remember to share with us by email or our Facebook group, the creative ways and ideas in which you are celebrating this Holy Season.
|
|
Please click on any of the following event or article headlines to be taken to that section of the newsletter.
|
| St. John's Community Connectors |
by Tina Conroy, Penny Winder, and Rev. Anne Derse
 In response to the coronavirus crisis in our country and around the world, St. John's has launched a new Community Connectors program. The Connectors are St. John's parishioners who have volunteered to reach out periodically to fellow parishioners throughout the crisis - to check in, connect, and identify any urgent needs that St. John's can assist with. The Connectors serve as an important link between our parishioners' needs (pastoral and other) and the clergy and front office. Currently, 43 Connectors are reaching out to over 400 St. John's households. This is truly amazing, but not at all surprising. St. John's parishioners always come together when there is a need!
The Connector program is still being refined. You can help us ensure we include everyone who would like to be contacted. If you have already provided your contact details to the front office but you have not yet been contacted by one of our Connectors, please let Anne Derse, Penny Winder, or Tina Conroy know, and a Connector will reach out to you.
If you haven't provided your phone number, email address, and mailing address to the front office, please send that information to the front office and Deacon Anne Derse, so that a Connector can be assigned to you.
We offer our greatest appreciation to our Community Connector volunteers for providing a wonderful sense of community and connectedness among St. John's parishioners during this unprecedented time in our nation.
If you have questions regarding the Community Connectors Program, please contact us!
|
| Good BUY vs. Good BYE: An Eco Perspective on Consumption |
by Jane Houlihan, Eco Action Team Member
 Shopping is fraught these days. It's challenging to be in stores and to find the products we need and want.
I have been considering purchases with a perspective that some products are a good BUY, while others aren't worthy of consideration at all. I can pass the latter products over and put them in the good BYE category.
If a product comes in a plastic container, or is individually wrapped in plastics it's off my list and good BYE!
If it has toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil and into the food chain, it's off my list and good BYE!
If the product is healthy, delicious, creates cleanliness, is priced fairly, has value, and a good use, it's a good BUY and goes into the cart.
One of the quickest ways to find good BUYS is to buy in bulk, especially if you have your own packaging or container, and especially now, since you may be buying in bulk for new reasons or for the first time.
Cleaning products, nuts, dried fruits, coffee, rice, pasta, grains, chocolate, are just a few products that are readily available in bulk and, as such, qualify as good BUYS.
When you buy in bulk, you are also enjoying very fresh products. Bulk stores (or bulk sections in grocery stores) have high stock turnover. You are never at risk of getting old packages from the back of the shelf when you buy in bulk, and your food isn't at risk of reaching its expiration date.
Unfortunately, plastic grocery bags are now being touted as protecting shoppers from the virus. So, it's more important that ever to not show demand for new plastic bags. Use ones you have on hand, or use other bags for shopping, but we can still say good BYE to plastic bags in stores.
I find one of the easiest ways to abide by my eco-ethics is to make intentional good BUY vs. good BYE decisions.
I hope you are all faring well and feeling well!
|
| Candidates Forum and Annual Parish Meeting Postponed |
The Candidates Forum and the Annual Parish Meeting have been postponed until further notice. New dates for each event will be selected after the church re-opens.
|
| How to Give to St. John's During Closure |
The COVID-19 crisis has instigated a lot of economic uncertainty, creating hardships for many individuals and businesses in our community. Recognizing these realities, St. John's is deeply grateful for your continued financial support during these unpredictable times. If you are still in a financial position to support our ministry, below are are a few different ways to make your contribution:
- Donate online through Breeze. You can use the drop-down menu to select any fund you would like to give to, including your pledge.
- Text (301) 685-7608. If this is your first time making a text donation, you will be directed to an online form to set up text donation information in Breeze. You can use keyword "pledge" to give towards your pledge.
- Mail us a check. Our mailing address is 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. At this time, our Accounts Manager, Teresa Gill, is going into the office once a week to manage mail and checks. If this becomes infeasible at any time, we will let you know.
If St. John's is your home church and you are in need of financial assistance, please contact Sari directly at
[email protected].
|
| Service Schedule |
| Palm Sunday, April 5, 10:00 am |
Worship & Agape Feast |
| Monday, April 6, 10:00 am |
Morning Prayer & Bible Study |
| Tuesday, April 7, 10:00 am |
Morning Prayer & Bible Study |
| Wednesday, April 8, 10:00 am |
Morning Prayer & Bible Study |
| Maundy Thursday, April 9, 10:00 am |
Morning Prayer & Bible Study |
| Maundy Thursday, April 9, 7:00 pm |
Maundy Thursday Liturgy |
| Good Friday, April 10, 12:00 pm |
Good Friday Liturgy |
You can join each of these worship and prayer services by:
|
| Contemplative Prayer |
by Toni Hartman, Spiritual Practices Coordinator
 While our practice of joining together in contemplative prayer has been temporarily interrupted, it has not been ended. Those of us who have been gathering in St. Mary's Chapel have committed to praying collectively from our own homes each Wednesday at 7:00 pm until we can join each other again in person at St. John's. We will hold each other in awareness as we pray individually together and invite you to do the same.
To join our contemplative prayer practice, visit the Shalem Institute page and click on the "Shalem Timer" video (located just below the header image and above the "Resources" heading). You will hear a bell to call you to prayer for twenty minutes with a video of gentle rain falling and then another bell to end prayer time. May this time be sacred to you and fill you with peace and hope.
|
| Make a Difference |
| Donate Blood |
 Blood donations represent an incredibly important resource for our local and national community with someone needing a blood transfusion every two seconds. Our blood supply has reached critically low levels as a result of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders.
However, the US Food and Drug Administration lists blood donations as an essential service and likens donors to employees in critical industries such as hospitals and grocery stores. The US FDA also reminds us that blood donation centers are safe places to go as they are well versed in infection control practices and continue to take new steps to protect donors and employees in the midst of the current pandemic. For example, most blood donation centers are currently only accepting donations by appointment to cut down on crowding and wait times. Many will also call or text you when they are ready for you so that you do not have to wait inside with other people. You can read more about the safety of donating blood and how to do so
here.
If you and your household are in the low-risk category (under 55, no serious underlying conditions), please consider donating blood and giving our front-line medical personnel and their patients one less thing to worry about! You can find a list of available American Red Cross donation appointments near the church (or your home)
here.
|
| The Coronavirus Threat in the Holy Land |
by Kirk Campbell, HLC Co-Convener
 The Outreach, Faith in Action, and Holy Land Committees join in asking you to consider this very urgent appeal for support from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) in light of the rapidly emerging threat of coronavirus in Gaza. As of March 31, Gaza reported 9 cases, a number almost certain to rise rapidly in the dire living conditions of the Strip where nearly 2 million Palestinians are confined within a 141 square mile area.
We include in its entirety below the request we received from Lisa Sams, an AFEDJ trustee from Bethesda. Lisa's outreach also contains a direct video appeal from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry for contributions, which will go via AFEDJ to Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza-a place of healing visited by Bishop Curry in March 2018.
Dear friends,
I hope and pray that you and your family, and those close to you, are safe and staying healthy during these challenging times.
I'm writing with a quick update about the situation for our friends in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. As you may know, the Diocese of Jerusalem owns and operates St. Luke's Hospital in Nablus and the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Social distancing and isolation of the infected is practically impossible for most Palestinians, especially in Gaza.
According to the Director of St. Luke's Hospital, Dr. Walid Kerry, "We are under a state of emergency in all Palestine due to coronavirus... We are a charity hospital and barely cover our costs in normal times." Suheila Tarazi, the Director of the Ahli Arab Hospital, notes "The situation in Gaza is very depressing and there is a high likelihood that a catastrophic scenario will erupt in Gaza within the coming few days and weeks."
AFEDJ has launched an appeal for financial aid to assist these hospitals in obtaining much-needed medical equipment and supplies, for which Presiding Bishop Curry has provided the following message:
|
|
|
Bishop Curry calls for support of hospitals in Palestine
|
Please visit www.afedj.com if you wish to make a donation. I would be grateful also if you could share this message with others.
Thank you for your steadfast support of our shared mission,
Lisa Sams
|
| Interfaith Update: Hate Crimes Continue During Pandemic |
|
by Rob Hartmann, Interfaith Liason
 When we are already feeling vulnerable, we are sad to report that acts of hate continue against faith communities throughout the world and even in our own backyard.
The Rev. Kelly Kaseman, the Interfaith Community Liaison for Montgomery County and head of the Faith Community Advisory Council (FCAC) of Montgomery County, recently informed us and other MoCo faith communities that the Tikvat Israel Temple in Rockville has been desecrated with antisemitic graffiti. Fortunately, due to self-quarantining, only a few members were exposed to the vandalism which has since been removed. FCAC is calling for it member faith communities, like St. John's, to reach out to Tikvat Israel in solidarity. Parishioners are encouraged to send messages of sympathy and solidarity to
Rabbi Marc D. Israel at
[email protected]
.
Many of you may have read of the recent terrorist attack killing 25 Sikh people in Kabul, Afghanistan. Like our friends at Tikvat Israel, members of the local Sikh community would benefit from messages of compassion and solidarity. They may be sent to Dr. Rajwant Singh, President of the Board for the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, at
[email protected].
For all those suffering from both the pandemic and the persecution of their faith, we offer prayers for healing, reconciliation, and peace.
|
| Resources for the Coronavirus Crisis |
St. John's has also launched a new resources page on our website. At the top, you'll find resources specific to the coronavirus crisis, including a list of grocery stores with special hours for vulnerable populations, information for uninsured Marylanders about signing up for Maryland Health Connections during this special enrollment period (ends April 15), virtual education and entertainment opportunities and more.
Further below on that same page, you'll see more general resources that we have found useful in assisting community members. Many of the organizations listed here are also offering special forms of assistance during the crisis.
If you have any questions or helpful suggestions to add to our resource page, please email Alex Duncan at
[email protected]. We will continue to update this page, so check back from time to time.
|
Stephen Ministers: Love One Another as I Have Loved You
|
In John 15:12, Jesus says, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Loving and caring for one another is not just the
Rector's
job - it's something Jesus calls us all to do!
Stephen Ministry
is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring ministry can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus' love and care to those who most need it.
If you know someone who is going through a difficult time, contact one of our Stephen Leaders
:
Penny Winder, John Mertens, Rob Hartmann, or Toni Hartman ([email protected]) about Stephen Ministry. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care-to help that person experience the healing power of Christ's love.
|
| Build Community |
| Sunday Coffee Hour: April 5, 11:00 am |
In lieu of the candidate's forum originally scheduled for this Sunday, join us for a virtual coffee hour after service! See some familiar faces and enjoy this opportunity to tell stories of life under quarantine.
You can join this Zoom Meeting at
|
| Women's Book Group: April 6, 7:30 pm |
by Pat Cascio
The next meeting of the St. John's Women's Book Group
will be a
special bonus
online gathering on Monday, April 6, 2020, at 7:30 pm EST. We can thank the current coronavirus restrictions for this opportunity!
We had previously cancelled our April meeting due to members' travel plans, so we have no book selection to discuss, making this a No-Book Book Group Meeting. It will be a chance to simply affirm our friendship and trade stories of our adventures in virus-time.
You will need the Zoom app, a comfortable chair, and self-provided snacks. We'll send you the login information a day or two ahead. If you have questions, write to me, Pat Cascio, at
[email protected].
Please join us and bring your own suggestions for future readings. For those wishing to read ahead, the following are our upcoming selections:
| 5/4/2020 |
Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy
|
| 6/1/2020 |
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict |
|
| Building Community in a Pandemic |
by Alex Duncan, Office & Communications Assistant
 |
|
|
A St. John's Koinonia group meeting up during social distancing
|
The longer we remain under social distancing protocols and stay-at-home orders, the more important it is for us to find new ways to fight feelings of isolation and build community with one another. In addition to offering services, there are several ways that St. John's is working to help us connect:
We've created a new, private
Facebook group for people to share their prayer requests, thanksgivings, anecdotes about social distancing, invitations to virtual social gatherings, and more! If you'd like to be added to the group, contact Alex Duncan (
[email protected]) for an invite, then make sure to invite all of your St. John's Facebook friends! Please note, that prayer requests and thanksgivings listed in the Facebook group will not be automatically added to the prayer list.
We can also help you set up
virtual gatherings for your ministry, neighborhood, Koinonia, or other St. John's group, even if the gathering is just social. Contact Alex (
[email protected]) or Karen Berry (
[email protected]) if you would like help learning how to set up a Zoom meeting. If you are a ministry leader and would like to use the church's Zoom account for a ministry meeting, contact Karen Berry (
[email protected]).
Don't forget, you can also use Breeze to find our who lives in your neighborhood and contact information for other parishioners!
We're inspired by the strength of this community and your dedication to one another. Let's continue to build and nurture our bonds.
|
| Prayer List |
|
We join in prayer this week for:
All those whose health, finances, and well-being are impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic and for all those whose lives are disrupted by the social distancing and quarantine practices.
For those who serve on the front lines during these challenging times including medical professionals, hospital and nursing-home staff, public works employees, delivery and truck drivers, grocery store employees: Kate & Brian Baker
Those newly in need of prayer**: Matthew Ayerdi-Hilton*, Ed Bauman*, Anne & Aurelia Buckingham,
Tricia Casella*, Charlie Corrado, Kathleen Eichler, Claire Julian, Sooz Mitchell*, Judy Woods-Curran, Monica Zoll*
Those in continuing special need of prayer: Owen Baynard, Mo Bland, Brian Briggs, Jim Campbell*, C.T. Clark, Andy Connolly, David Dantzler,
Herman Dillard, Arthur Gardiner, Rene Griffith*, Betsy Hendrickson, Jane Hendrickson*, David Horton, Nancy Hurd, Patricia & Steve Kennedy, Susan Little*
, McGrath & Benton Families, Sue Mitchell, Jessie Nienhouse, Geoffrey Patton, Ted Pewett*, Vickie Risse, John Ross*, Margaret & Greg Russell, Betty & Susie Schmitt, Meg Smith, Susan Symons*, Caroline Tapley, Elisabeth Tapley, Gary Tavener, Thomas Welch Gross, Theolyn Wilson*, Ann Wild*, Timmy Wright, Carole & Hugh Stephen Ministers and their care receivers, the people of St. Luke's Hospital, Nablus, West Bank
Parishioners at home, unable to attend services: Sally Cassidy, Mark Estes, Connie Houghton, Anne Hynes, Birney Saunders, Ann & Bill Stahr, Nancy Wiecking, David Wilson
Parishioners celebrating a birthday this week (March 30-April 5): Nick Hebert, Allie Stroman, Avril Barker, Brady Nee, Susan Pisano, Monique Robinson, Peg Sanders, Clay Walsh, Sonia Ayerdi-Hilton, Nan Galler, Felix Jackson, Nancy Derr, Rodrigo Ferreire, Edward Krauland, Dora Antayhua, Andrea Guy-McFarland, Joe Kovacs, Riley Nee, Julia Poggi, Thomas Berhardt-Lanier, Quinn Sullivan, Teagan Sullivan
Those serving in the military, including: Col. Robert Hunter, USMC (son of Martha Jones); Jonathan Hackett and Dr. Anthony Hackett (nephews of Liz & Jim Mullikin); all our Wounded Warriors; all our POW/MIA soldiers
In thanksgiving for the births of: Marc Hu Stratmoen, nephew of Michael Stratmoen, on March 26; Chad Jeremiah Stephens, son of Hershey Mallette Stephens and Rob Stephens, on March 26; and Lucian "Luke" William Edmonds, son of Nathaniel and Rebecca Edmonds, on March 31
Those who have died: Roger Brown (cousin of Helen DuPont) and Andy McGrath (cousin of Ginevra Everdale)
Those in the Anglican Communion:
Pray for the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean
Those in the Diocese:
Calvary Church, DC; Church of the Atonement, DC; African Palms
Those in Companion Dioceses: Diocese of the Province of Southern Africa; Diocese of Honduras, Central America
Please share prayer requests - including transitions, thanksgivings, or prayers for specific people on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight - by emailing the Church Office at [email protected].
*Denotes St. John's parishioner. Bolded names under those newly in need of prayer are names added this week.
**Unless the Office is asked to remove or move them to the "continuing" prayer list, all "new" names will be listed for four weeks.
|
| Upcoming Events |
Click on the bolded blue text below to be linked to the article in this newsletter or relevant website for that event.
|
|
April 5, 2020
Palm Sunday
April 6, 2020
April 7, 2020
April 8, 2020
April 9, 2020
Maundy Thursday
April 10, 2020
Good Friday
April 12, 2020
Easter Sunday
|
Weekly Schedule
|
All services and meetings will be held remotely through May 16, 2020. If you have questions about how to access these events, email [email protected].
Sunday, April 5
Palm Sunday
Deadline for newsletter submissions
Monday, April 6
Tuesday, April 7
Wednesday, April 8
Thursday, April 9
Friday, April 10
Sunday, April 12
Deadline for newsletter submissions
|
|
Submitting Articles to This Newsletter
- When: Articles are due the Sunday prior to the Friday publication date.
- How: Insert the text of the article into the body of an email, and send to publicity[AT]stjohnsnorwood.org.
The church staff reserves the right to determine the content of this newsletter and edit for grammar or length requirements.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
